Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Closer by Committee

The Rays executed the Closer by Committee to perfection in the 9th inning of today's win over the Orioles, and Jim Palmer correctly pointed out that this is what we are (hopefully) likely to see from the Orioles. After Matt Garza, the Rays starter, gave up a lead-off double to Adam Jones, Rays Manager Joe Maddon went to lefty specialist Brian Shouse. He promptly induced dribblers from Nick Markakis and Aubrey Huff. With the righthanded Melvin Mora up next for the O's, Maddon went back to the pen. Troy Percival came on, and three pitches later, Mora was down on strikes, and Tampa Bay had a win. Percival may have gotten the save, but Shouse did just as much heavy lifting. Each should be quite pleased with his contribution to the victory, regardless of who records the (S) in the box score. Let's hope Dave Trembley was taking notes._________________________